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Tarptent and Bridge inspired Hammock

I got some photos of my DIY hammock. h4_profile.jpg Here is my bottom pattern.hammock4.jpg
The top was constructed like a tarptent and mesh netting sides are about 12" at the shoulder tapering back to the foot.

I still need to install the zipper side door. It will actually be two zippers. A horizontal zipper will be installed at the base of bug netting running from shoulder to knee. And a vertical zipper will detach the head portion of the bug netting.h4_openside.jpg
I have arranged the hiking poles like a cross bow. It maintains my fixed length ridgeline. But I was also kind of hoping it would help distribute the load of the horizontal spreader bar when the hammock is occupied. I am not convinced it is performing that function in the current arrangement. crossbow_poles.jpgI took the sensible advice of Grizz and slipped something inside the horizontal spreader bar/hiking pole to prevent compressive forces relying on the hiking pole's twit-tight mechanisms. Grizz said he used a wooden dowel. I used an old tent pole. Cut to 14" it weighs 1.1 ounce.

Jeff's Gear Hammock firs amazingly well as a vestibule. it would block driving winds and rain into the head end opening of the hammock, while simultaneously offering dry storage area. This enhancement requires the addition of one more mini-carabiner to hold two corners over the ridgeline.h4_headendview.jpg

Weight

One reason is, that it has a mesh sleeve for the pad underneath. But the BIG reason is that I used 4 ounce per yard Polyester microfiber with DWR for the hammock body. I really like the feel of it, it has a warmth and luxuriousness unlike ripstop. Since sleeping bag liners don't work well in a hammock environment, I have been sewing fabric in all of the hammocks that I've made which adds to the warmth and comfort underneath. If someone else were to make one, I'll bet they could shed 3 or 4 ounces if a standard 1.9 ripstop body were used instead.

Does my hammock work well you ask? So far, yes. Cat naps have been excellent, the hammock has definitely proved it's comfort and stability in short term testing. I really like the roomines and the (potential) view. I anticipate I may have some issues with keeping the tarptop properly tensioned, but I will fine tune that detail as it emerges.

Honestly, I don't know if the HP configuration that I currently use will prove to be the best, but getting a consistant hang from the fixed ridgeline is a very convenient advantage to having it this way.

I need to install the zipper door before I can tell you if that's working, but I will be taking the knowlege of my recent past mistakes, and appling the lessons learned. So I think it's going to work out.

I took the sensible advice of Grizz and slipped something inside the horizontal spreader bar/hiking pole to prevent compressive forces relying on the hiking pole's twit-tight mechanisms. Grizz said he used a wooden dowel.

Sorry for the confusing typo. I meant "Twist-Tight" mechanism. Here is the link to the post describing this. It's post #568 near the bottom of the page.

Last edited by dblhmmck; 10-02-2007 at 01:34.
Reason: link didn't work

piles 'o ideas

what a lot of ideas are packed into this design. One can tell you're an artist.

I'm particularly appreciating the use of a pole vertically. You may see that idea borrowed someday (maybe even soon) on one of mine. Since I don't carry three poles that would mean tie-outs at the feet. But I can do that....